Fort Greene Leader On Women's History Month: 'Women Will Never Be Silenced'

FORT GREENE, BROOKLYN — Fort Greene and Clinton Hill city council member Laurie Cumbo, who is also chair of the committee on women's issues, is celebrating National Women's History Month in March, or as she calls it, Women's Herstory Month.

Cumbo emphasized the importance of making women's voices heard at a "time where women at times feel unprotected and powerless," she said. "This month, let us each day educate our sons and daughters of the women who said 'who is going to stop me?'"

Here is Cumbo's full emotional statement:

In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women's History Month to highlight the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. By the early months of 2017, the women of New York continue to make so many historic strides.

In January, I, along with 400,000 other women, pounded New York's pavement for the historic Women's March to stand up for equality for all groups, especially women, LGBTQ, people of color, immigrants, and those with disabilities. In solidarity, we reminded every person, in every country, every state, every town, and every village that women will never be silenced. We raised our voices to tell the highest branch of government: we can think for ourselves, define our own reproductive rights, will push back against hateful rhetoric, and will continue to make our voices heard.

We live in a time where women at times feel unprotected and powerless. Women represent 51 percent of the U.S. population, but only 19 percent of the legislative body in Washington elected as the voice of the people. It is time to cheer on girls and women of all backgrounds who deserve the opportunity to make a difference.

This month, let us use each day to educate our sons and daughters of the women who said 'who is going to stop me?' Pioneers like Mae Jemison, Aretha Franklin, Margaret Thatcher, Shirley Chisholm, Madeleine Albright, Junko Tabei, Edith Wharton, or Hattie McDaniel; all women who helped change our world for the better. They have fought for equal rights, demanded equal treatment, and broke new ground in politics, music, movies, sports, literature, and science. Join me in celebrating women for their strength, courage, confidence, and ability to tackle any challenge so that our children know no limitations.

Photo via public domain